Exelon Donations Equips Sheriff Cars with Lifesaving AEDs

The Grundy County Sheriff’s Department will purchase six portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs) as a result of a $9,000 gift from Exelon Nuclear’s Braidwood and Dresden Stations.

Braceville, Illinois – The Grundy County Sheriff’s Department will purchase six portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs) as a result of a $9,000 gift from Exelon Nuclear’s Braidwood and Dresden Stations.

AEDs are used to deliver a “shock” to restore the heart’s normal pumping rhythm in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, which strikes approximately 340,000 people in the United States each year. With the purchase of the six additional AEDs, all Grundy County Sheriff patrol units will be equipped with AEDs.

“We really appreciate this donation and Exelon’s continued support,” said Grundy County Sheriff Terry Marketti. “Sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and dramatically. In these types of medical emergencies, seconds count. Often times, sheriff’s deputies are the first responders to arrive at the scene of a medical emergency, and the immediate availability of an AED may prove to be the sole chance of survival for a critical patient.

The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office serves a population of 45,800 in a 432-square-mile area. Approximately 75 percent of sudden cardiac deaths occur in the home.

“We are very happy to support the Grundy County Sheriff by providing this lifesaving equipment,” said Braidwood Site Vice President Amir Shahkarami “We value our local emergency response organizations and help whenever we can.”

“Our goal is to be a good neighbor and support the local communities where we live and work,” said Dresden Site Vice President Tim Hanley. “This donation is just one way we are involved.”

Through their outreach programs, Braidwood and Dresden Stations support a number of not for profit organizations. In 2009 alone, the stations have donated more than $150,000 to charitable organizations.

In addition, Braidwood and Dresden employees contribute to the community in a number of ways. This includes supporting the United Way and by participating in local food and blood drives.

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About Exelon

Exelon Corporation is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities with approximately $19 billion in annual revenues. The company has one of the industry’s largest portfolios of electricity generation capacity, with a nationwide reach and strong positions in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Exelon distributes electricity to approximately 5.4 million customers in northern Illinois and Pennsylvania and natural gas to approximately 485,000 customers in the Philadelphia area. Exelon is headquartered in Chicago and trades on the NYSE under the ticker EXC.